Posted on November 17th, 2010 by Shenron
If you like this post and want to receive updates from us, please subscribe to our RSS feed.

EK9 Civic Type-R (1997 – 2000)

The original Civic Type R was proceeded by two previous generations of ‘unofficial’ Type R’s. The EF8 / EF9 and EG6 chassis had top of the line SiR models, which are still noted by enthusiasts for their performance, simplicity and no-frills approach.

The Civic and CRX SiR were the first Hondas to utilize the venerable B16 engine, a helical LSD, 4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension with uprated bound/rebound rates, while matching those to a stripped out interior devoid of luxuries such as power windows, sunroof and power steering. This inaugural top-of-the range Civic marked Honda’s successes in Formula One, with the Lucky Strike BAR team. The later EG6SiR II used the same stripped out formula, with a 10 hp (7.5 kW) hike for the B16 engine and a marginally stiffer chassis, better brakes this time in a larger heavier body shell.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was officially introduced in Japan in 1997. As a hatchback which continued the ‘R’ philosophy from the 2 previous SiRs, the EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R such as omission of sound deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B engine, front limited-slip differential, close ratio gearbox etc.

The EK9 B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for an NA engine at 185ps from a 1.6L sump. A strategically seam welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro seats, a titanium shift knob and a Momo steering wheel. In 1999 the Type Rx was introduced featuring a CD player, body colored retractable electric door mirrors, power window, manual air conditioning, keyless entry unlock system, aluminum sports pedals, and a carbon type center panel.

This generation of the Civic Type R was not marketed outside of Japan. The SiR badge from the previous 2 generations was simulataneously re-assigned to the EK4 Civic as a mainstream sedan and hatchback which was sold in huge numbers across the globe.